Can a friendship survive or even possibly thrive if sex is introduced into the equation? Gorman Bechard’s latest film Friends (With Benefits), takes on this subject head. The plot for Friends (With Benefits) revolves around the lives of six friends (three men and three women). At the core of the story are Chloe and Owen who have been friends since childhood. Afraid of losing what they already have they have repressed their true feelings for each other. After they finally take the plunge and take their friendship to a more sexual / romantic level then their four friends who are also featured prominently in the story follow suit. The story features a few twist and turns along the way including an obstacle that threatens Chloe and Owen new blossoming love affair.

The film’s six main characters Chloe, Owen, Alison, Jeff, Shirley and Brad are all distinctively different personalities. Besides the main players in this romantic comedy, there are also a handful of colorful secondary players like a girlfriend who Queefs in her sleep and a bulldog with an unusual fetish. All the characters are well defined as we are exposed to their darkest fears and desires. One thing that further helps in defining who these characters are is the exceptionally written dialog.

Visually Friends (With Benefits) is director Gorman Bechard’s most accomplished film to date. The film also expertly uses a split screen and overlapping dialog to maximize the amount of information on the screen. Another area in which this film excels is how during the sex scenes / hook ups things never get to graphic. By showing less these moments resonate in way they would have not if the scenes were more gratuitous. Another familiar with Gorman Bechard’s other film’s (Psycho’s in Love, You Are Alone), knows that music often plays an integral part in the film’s narrative, Friends (With Benefits) features a superb soundtrack. Ultimately Friends (With Benefits), is an exuberant film about the ups and downs of friendship.

Note:Friends (With Benefits) premier’s on June 12th, 2009 at the Seattle True Independent Film Festival. For more information about Friends (With Benefits), you can visit the offical website for this film here.